While your wood-burning chimney is probably not something you think about often unless it requires repairs, not paying attention can lead to disaster. Dirty chimneys are a common and preventable cause of house fires. When wood burns, creosote and other debris will build up and ignite, causing a chimney fire. Residential chimney cleaning is something that you need to do to keep your home safe, especially if you use your fireplace often. Here are three things that you need to know about residential chimney cleaning. 

When To Clean Your Chimney

When it comes to residential chimney cleaning, the best time to clean it is right before you start using it again. For many homeowners, this means cleaning your chimney in the late summer or early fall. You need to clean your chimney a minimum of once per year to prevent chimney fires. While you can clean your chimney on your own, you will want to use professional residential chimney cleaning services for the best results, especially if your chimney has not been cleaned in some time.

How Much It Costs

Residential chimney cleaning services are a must for the safety of your home, which means that you will want to budget for this annual expense. On average, you will pay in the range of $129 to $377 for residential chimney cleaning from a professional. Chimneys that are not well-maintained and have years of creosote buildup will cost much more to clean. If your chimney has a significant amount of buildup, cleaning services can set you back upwards of $800. Also, keep in mind that you may need more than one cleaning per year if you use your fireplace frequently.

Cleaning Catches Problems Early

During a cleaning, a chimney cleaning service will also check for any issues that may impact the function and safety of your chimney. Over time your chimney will start to show signs of wear and tear. Cracks and other damage may not be visible when there is a layer of creosote present. However, after the cleaning, these issues may come to light. Your yearly residential chimney cleaning will help determine whether chimney repairs are necessary. When caught in time, damage to your chimney can be addressed before it becomes a hazard.

If you have a wood-burning fireplace, chimney cleaning services are a necessity, and there are a few things you need to know. First, you should clean your chimney at least once per year, preferably before starting up regular use. Next, chimney cleaning services are typically affordable, but very dirty chimneys will cost more to clean. Finally, chimney cleaning services can catch minor issues before they become significant hazards. To learn more, contact a residential chimney cleaning service

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